Jackson Sinus



		Diagnosis Start Page

		Or .... Choose Your Main Symptom Below

		Congestion

		Sinus Pain

		Airway Obstruction

		Headaches

		Drainage



		Treatment of Sinus and Nasal Problems

		All About Sinus and Nasal Surgery

		Over-The-Counter Medicines

		Do I Need To See A Doctor?



		Treatment Start Page

		Or .... Choose a Diagnosis

		Allergies

		Viral Upper Respiratory Infections

		Acute Bacteria Sinus Infections

		Chronic Bacterial Sinus Infections

		Nasal Septal Deviations



		OTC Meds - Start Page

		Or .... Choose a Medicine

		Decongestants

		Antihistamines

		Pain Relievers

		Cough Suppressants

		Mucous Thinners

		Saline Rinses

		Zinc Gluconate

		Chromolyn Spray

		Steroid Sprays



		Surgery Start Page

		When is Surgery Necessary?

		How is Modern Sinus Surgery Performed?

		Does Sinus Surgery Really Work?

		What is the Recovery Time After Sinus Surgery?

		Post-Operative Visits are Important

		What is a Septoplasty?



		What is a Turbinate Reduction?

		Is Packing Still Necessary?

		What Are Windows?

		How Painful is Modern Sinus Surgery?

		What Complications Can Occur?

		I Have Had Sinus Surgery and I Am Still Having Trouble. What Should I do?



		Learn About Your Sinuses - Start Page

		Learn About Your Sinuses - Image Series

		Learn About Your Sinuses - Video Series

		Learn About Your Sinuses - Stereoscopic



		Brochure Start Page

		Sinus and Nasal Brochures

		Throat Brochures

		Ears, Hearing, and Balance Brochures



		Make an Appointment

		Contact Information

		Map To The Office

Treating Yourself
  With OTC Meds

Do I Need to See
  A Doctor?

Everything About
  Surgical Treatment

Treatment Plans for
Specific Problems

Allergies

Viral Infections

Acute Bacterial
  Sinus Infections

Chronic Bacterial
  Sinus Infections

Nasal Septal
  Deviations

"Windows" is a term that is short for naso-antral windows. It refers to a surgical procedure that is not often used anymore. The term, however, is still used frequently but it is incorrectly applied to modern techniques.

The naso-antral window is a surgical drainage pathway that is made into the maxillary sinus. It is made under the inferior turbinate. This places the drainage pathway at the bottom of this sinus and into that space below the inferior turbinate. This would seem to be the most sensible place to create a drainage path however it is now known that the maxillary sinus prefers to drain near the top. The top is where the natural drainage path is. The sinus is lined with small hair cells that actively pump the mucous or infection towards the top exit, this can actually pump the material around a naso-antral window. This procedure was quite helpful in draining the sinus in the acute phase, and allowing the infection to be more easily treated. Before endoscopic techniques became available, this was the safest way to drain a chronically infected maxillary sinus.

The modern technique of draining the maxillary sinus entails enlarging the natural opening. This opening is situated under the middle turbinate and is very close to the eye and the tear duct. The opening is now placed in this location because it is a less traumatic procedure and seems to be better for long lasting improvement.